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A group of red angus cattle.

The Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

a windmill in front of a sunset

Farming Strategies for the Future

There was a time in agriculture when greater yields always meant greater profitability. Today’s economic environment is characterized by high input costs and depressed commodity prices. Under this scenario when the optimum input/output relationship has been attained, more inputs do not necessarily result in greater returns on investment. Therefore, todays’ agriculture paradigm requires management that addresses production “optimization”. This is the point where a previously known level of inputs maximizes outputs before incurring into greater investments that result into diminishing returns.

Mother cow licking newborn calf in a pasture.

Calving Distribution Affects Herd Health

When the calving season is consolidated, nutritional requirements are more synchronous across the herd, and these benefits extend beyond improved feed management.

Cover page of the USDA publication, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025

The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include dietary recommendations for all life stages, from birth to older adulthood, along with pregnant and lactating women.

Three green plants that showcase A) waterhemp, B) redroot pigweed, and C) common lambsquarter.

Weeds Have Started to Flower!

Early-flowering waterhemp, redroot pigweed, and common lambsquarters show the importance of early weed control, as they can produce seeds before a delayed postemergence herbicide application.

black angus bull at pasture

Bull Selection

Bull sale season is upon us and those who are in the market for a new herd sire face a choice that will impact their herd for many years.

woman wearing gloves preparing servings of vegetables. USDA Photo Courtesy of Bob Nichols.

Disposable Gloves: Guidelines for Food Handlers

Improper handling of food and poor personal hygiene by food handlers are leading causes of foodborne illness. Disposable gloves do not take the place of good hygiene and proper hand-washing.

Two men hold a plaque for honorary Master Pork Producer

2025 Master Pork Producers announced

February 23, 2026

Four South Dakota pork producers were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to the state’s swine industry.

A Little Free Library book box along a sidewalk in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Opportunities for Addressing Book Deserts in Rural Communities

By fostering a culture for reading, placing books into community spaces, and partnering with libraries to extend their reach, rural communities can transform book deserts into book-rich environments.

budget sheet with money and bills

Student Loan TIPS (Texting Intervention Program)

According to U.S. Department of Education data, 30% of federal student loans were in deferment and forbearance while 7% were in default (Cho, Johnson, Kiss, O’Neill, Mountain, & Gutter, 2016).